Asphalt Resurfacing: All You Need to Know
A lot has changed in the world of asphalt resurfacing in the past few years. Gone are the days when asphalt resurfacing was a strictly manual and time-consuming process. Today, there are several types of asphalt resurfacing technologies that can make your pavement look brand new – even if it’s 10 or more years old! In this blog post, we’ll be discussing all you need to know about asphalt resurfacing, from the basics of what it is to the different types of resurfacing available.
We’ll also discuss when you should resurface your pavement, the process of resurfacing asphalt, and how to determine whether pavements are suitable for asphalt overlay. So start reading and learn everything you need to know about asphalt resurfacing today!
What is Asphalt Resurfacing?
Asphalt resurfacing is a process that helps to restore the surface of asphalt roads, patios, and sidewalks. The goal of this service is to reduce road noise, improve air quality, and protect your property from normal wear and tear.
If your driveway, walkway, or any other pavement surface is looking a bit tired and worn out, it might be time for an asphalt resurfacing. As asphalt pavement ages, the surface starts to become brittle and cracks easily. This deterioration can lead to potholes, cracks in the surface layer that expose the underlying sub-base, and poor driving conditions. To address these issues, asphalt resurfacing is a common solution that restores the pavement to its original condition.
The new surface can be designed to reflect the surrounding community or architecture, which creates an aesthetically appealing environment. Additionally, the use of reflective materials helps to reduce energy costs by absorbing sunlight during the day and releasing it at night.
How Much Does it Cost to Resurface Asphalt Driveways?
Asphalt resurfacing can vary in price depending on the complexity of the job, the size of the driveway and type of asphalt that needs to be replaced or repaired, and any additional work that may need to be done (e.g., striping). A simple repair may cost between $1,800-$3,000 while a complex replacement will range from $5,000-$8,000.
There are also several factors that can influence pricing such as climate conditions (dry vs wet), time of year (peak season vs off-season), number of lanes involved in the project, and geographic location. Always contact an asphalt contractor prior to starting work so you receive an accurate quote based on your specific situation.
Asphalt Resurfacing Process
When it comes to the application process of asphalt resurfacing, you will need to contact your local contractor in order to get started. Depending on the type of project that you have in mind, they may require different permits or licenses. Once you have contacted them and gotten all of the necessary information, scheduling a time for a consultation can begin. At this point, their team will come out and take a look at your driveway or street surface to see if there is anything that needs immediate attention.
If there are any repairs that need to be made right away, their crew will immediately start working on those while continuing with more general inspection throughout the entire project timeline. From here, everyone should agree on a budget and schedule for completion based on availability and weather conditions.
When it comes to applying asphalt resurfacing, there are a few different types of tools that your contractor may use. The most common tool is the roller, which can be used to smooth and level the surface before casting or troweling the new asphalt. Another common tool is the boom truck, which has a bucket at one end and a brush on the other. This is used for cleaning up any irregularities after surfacing has been completed.
Other tools that may be used include chippers, graders, scrapers, tampers/finishers (used for blending), spreader trucks (for distributing adhesive), and paver trucks (for laying down reinforcing steel). All of these tools require special training and certification in order to operate safely.
When Should You Resurface Your Driveway?
The best time to resurface your driveway depends on a variety of factors, including the type of pavement you have, the weather conditions, and the severity of wear and tear. Oftentimes, it is advisable to resurface your driveway every 5-7 years in order to maintain its longevity
When selecting a particular date for your driveway resurfacing project, be sure to consult with a professional landscaper or contractor who will be able to give you an accurate estimate based on all of the specific details about your property. They will also be able to advise you on any necessary repairs that may need to be done prior to or after the surface asphalt installation.
If you wait too long or choose not to have your driveway resurfaced at all, it can become severely degraded over time due to binder content seeping down into cracks in concrete and eventually creating potholes. By taking these precautions early on in its lifetime., you can avoid expensive future repairs!
How Long Does an Asphalt Overlay Last?
Asphalt overlay may last anywhere from 5 to 7 years, but the average lifespan is 5 years. It is important to keep in mind that asphalt overlays are not permanent and can be damaged by weather or traffic. If you notice any damage or deterioration, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible. In addition, make sure that your contractor uses a high-quality asphalt mixture and employs the proper application techniques to ensure a long-lasting result.
Other types of Asphalt Repair Techniques
Other than asphalt resurfacing, there are several types of asphalt repair techniques, and the most important thing is to use the right one for your situation. Here are a few examples:
1. Patching: This is usually used when small cracks or holes exist in the pavement. The patch will be filled with a mixture of grout and kneaded asphalt, which will then be spread over the area using a Roller. Once it has adhered to the ground, an emulsion sealant can be applied to prevent water infiltration.
2. Re-Paving: When large areas need attention (for example, due to potholes), re-paving may be necessary instead of patching or repairing individual areas. In this case, precast reinforced core panels made from treated concrete are laid down by machine over an existing surface that’s been prepared beforehand with tar and gravel layers. Subsequently, a new asphalt overlay is manually Applied layer after layer until all desired area has been covered; this process typically takes about two days per 1000 sqm).
3. Asphalt Repair with Cement and Bitumen: When asphalt has deteriorated due to weather, age or heavy use, a cement-and-bitumen mix is applied directly to the pavement as a sealant. This type of repair is usually only necessary when it’s absolutely necessary (for example, after an earthquake).
How to Choose Between Asphalt Resurfacing vs. Replacement
When it comes to asphalt resurfacing or replacement, the most important thing to keep in mind is your budget. Asphalt resurfacing is a cost-effective option that can improve the appearance of your driveway, walkway, or sidewalk.
It uses hot asphalt mix to fill in any cracks or uneven areas and then covers it with a layer of plastic to protect it from weathering and traffic. Alternately, replacement may be a better solution if you want something more permanent than resurfacing. Replacement typically involves removing the existing pavement and replacing it with concrete or gravel.
Asphalt resurfacing often has a shorter lifespan than replacement so it might not be the best investment if you plan on sticking around for very long.
Another factor to consider is how durable your current pavement surface is. If your existing surface isn’t that bad and only needs some minor repairs here and there, then replacing it with new asphalt may not make sense financially or environmentally.
Conclusion
There you have it! All the information that you’ve read in the article above is enough to know what asphalt resurfacing entails and how it can improve your driveway. However, this process isn’t a walk in the park as it requires skill, precision, and experience.
Hence, if you want an amazing-looking driveway or just need some extra space for parking your car, contact a professional resurfacing company. All these companies have highly-qualified resurfacing crews that will make sure every inch of your driveway is beautifully refurbished.
Thanks for reading!
